Summer School Application

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MBIRSA SUMMER SCHOOL & OFFICIAL LAUNCH EVENT - 18–20 NOVEMBER 2026

Applications Extended Until 31 August 2026

Thank you for your interest in participating in the MBirSA Summer School, taking place from 18-20 November 2026. This programme is designed to support capacity development, networking, and the advancement of best practices in biobanking across South Africa.

Please note that submission of an application does not guarantee selection. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated against the published eligibility criteria and selection requirements. Final approval of successful applicants rests with the MBirSA Steering Committee, whose decision will be final. To ensure equitable national representation, consideration will also be given to geographical distribution and institutional diversity.

Successful applicants will be notified in writing and will be required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of R1,000 to confirm their attendance. Travel, accommodation, and meals for selected participants will be sponsored by MBirSA.

Before starting your application, please ensure that you have the following documents available for upload:

  • A current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • An Institutional Support Letter confirming your role and involvement in biobanking, management of a research collection, or activities related to establishing a biobank
  • Proof of South African citizenship (South African ID document or passport)

Incomplete applications or applications submitted without the required supporting documentation may not be considered.

The Medical Biorepositories of South Africa (MBirSA) is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act No. 4 of 2013) (“POPIA”).

The personal information collected through this application process will be used solely for the purposes of administering, processing, reviewing, evaluating, and communicating the outcomes of applications for the MBirSA Summer School and Official Launch Event. Information provided may be accessed by authorised MBirSA personnel, members of the application review panel, and service providers acting on behalf of MBirSA where necessary to facilitate the application and selection process.

Personal information will be processed lawfully, securely, and only for the purposes for which it was collected. Information will not be shared with third parties for commercial purposes and will be retained only for as long as necessary to fulfil the purposes of the application process and comply with applicable legal and institutional requirements.

Applicants have the right to access, correct, or request the deletion of their personal information, subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

Application Consent

By submitting this application form, I acknowledge that I have read and understood the MBirSA POPIA Notice and consent to the collection, processing, storage, and use of my personal information for the purposes of administering and evaluating my application.

I further consent to being contacted directly by MBirSA and/or an authorised service provider, event organiser, marketing company, or administrative partner acting on behalf of MBirSA regarding this application, the Summer School and Launch Event, future MBirSA activities, training opportunities, networking events, and related communications.

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SECTION 1: APPLICANT DETAILS

SECTION 2: PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

Please indicate your current level of knowledge in biobanking related topics:

Biobank-Operations and Sample Management *
Quality Management Systems *
Ethics, Legal and Regulatory Requirements *
Biosafety and Biosecurity *
Data Management and Informatics *
Biobank Governance and Sustainability *
Please indicate your primary area of involvement (Please select up to three topics) *
Number of years involved in biobanking, research collections or related activities *

SECTION 3: ELIGIBILITY

Please select the statement that best describes your current involvement *

SECTION 4: MOTIVATION

In no more than 300 words, please describe:

  • Your current role and involvement in biobanking or research collections.
  • Why you would like to attend the MBirSA Summer School.
  • How participation will benefit your institution and contribute to biobanking development in South Africa.

SECTION 5: DECLARATION

I certify that the information provided in this application is true and correct. I understand that:

  • A maximum of two applicants per institution will be considered.
  • Applications will be evaluated according to the published eligibility criteria.
  • Selection will consider equitable geographic representation across South Africa.
  • Successful applicants will be required to pay a registration fee of R1,000.
  • MBirSA will sponsor approved travel, accommodation and meals associated with the event.
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REQUIRED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Please submit the following with your application:
Maximum file size: 1 GB
Maximum file size: 1 GB
Maximum file size: 1 GB

MBirSA Membership

1. Introduction

This document sets out the governance framework for membership to the Medical Biorepositories of South Africa (MBirSA). It defines membership categories, eligibility criteria, the application process, rights and responsibilities, and terms of membership. This governance structure aims to ensure inclusive, equitable, and transparent participation in MBirSA’s activities, in alignment with its mission to support ethical, effective, and sustainable biorepositories in South Africa.

2. Categories of Membership

MBirSA offers four categories of membership:

  1. Biorepository membership
  2. Institutional membership
  3. Individual membership
  4. Associate members
  5. Observer status

2.1 Biorepository Membership

Biorepository membership is open to any biorepository operating within South Africa that supports and aligns with MBirSA’s principles and objectives.

Rights of membership

  • Eligibility to nominate representatives to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Opportunity to comment on and vote on any MBirSA consensus statements or other MBirSA policies developed.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).
  • Appointing a designated representative to engage with MBirSA on behalf of the biorepository.
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the biorepository website.

2.2 Institutional Membership

Institutional membership is open to South African institutions (e.g., universities, research councils, hospitals) that oversee or house multiple biorepositories.

Becoming a member:

  • The institution applies as a single entity and designates a primary liaison.
  • All biorepositories under the institution’s auspices automatically fall under the membership.

Rights of membership:

  • Eligibility to nominate representatives to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities of membership:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).
  • Oversight of affiliated biorepositories’ compliance with MBirSA principles
  • Facilitation of internal coordination and communication with MBirSA.
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the institution’s website.

2.3 Individual Membership

Individual membership is open to professionals, researchers, ethicists, policy experts, or community advocates with a demonstrated interest in medical biorepositories in South Africa.

Rights of membership:

  • Eligibility to nominate themselves to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).

2.4 Associate Membership

Associate membership is open to individuals or institutions located outside South Africa who support the aims of MBirSA and wish to collaborate or contribute to its work.

Rights of membership:

  • Eligibility to nominate themselves to MBirSA working groups and committees.
  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of membership fees (if applicable).
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the website.

2.5 Observer status

A biorepository and/or institution that may be considering membership, can join as an observer for one year only.

Rights of observer status:

  • Access to MBirSA resources, training, and capacity-building activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Commitment to MBirSA’s Code of Conduct.
  • Timely payment of observer status membership fees (if applicable).
  • To indicate their membership of MBirSA and inclusion of the MBirSA logo on the website.

3. Application and Admission Process

  1. Applicants must complete the official MBirSA membership application form and submit any supporting documentation as required.
  2. All applications are reviewed by the MBirSA Steering Committee for decision.
  3. Successful applicants will receive formal notification and a welcome package, including the MBirSA Constitution and any applicable membership fees.

4. Duration and Renewal of Membership

Membership remains valid until such time as either the member or MBirSA chooses to terminate it, subject to continued eligibility, active engagement, and payment of membership fees (if applicable).

5. Termination or Suspension of Membership

Membership may be suspended or terminated if:

  • The member is found to be in serious breach of MBirSA’s Constitution or Code of Conduct by the Steering Committee.
  • The biorepository or institution is no longer operational.
  • The member voluntarily withdraws from MBirSA in writing.

Summer School